More than an architectural wonder, the Taj Mahal can be described as a serenade dedicated to beauty and true love. Or perhaps as a dream realised in milky white marble, portraying the beauty of true love.

Best described by the English poet, Sir Edwin Arnold, as "Not a piece of architecture, as other buildings are, but the proud passions of an emperor's love wrought in living stones," the Taj Mahal is the most well preserved and architecturally beautiful tomb in the world. With its smooth curving, gently swelling dome and the square base upon which its rests so lightly, the Taj Mahal is a celebration of eternal womanhood.

Perhaps the most extravagant monument ever built for love, this mausoleum was constructed by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal. She died in childbirth in 1630 (only three years after Shah Jahan's accession to the throne) in Burhanpur in the Deccan.

After 22 laborious years with the combined effort of over twenty thousand workmen and master craftsmen from India and Central Asia, the complex was finally completed in 1653 on the banks on the river Yamuna in Agra. The material was brought in from all over India and Central Asia and it is said that it took a fleet of 1000 elephants to transport it to the site. It was believed to be designed by the Iranian architect Istad Usa or Isa Khan. Renowned architects and experts were also brought in from Europe.

The mausoleum
It is commonly believed that, being a tribute to a beautiful woman and a monument for enduring love, the Taj reveals its subtleties only when one visits it at leisure. It is only then that you can gauge the poetry of its architecture. The rectangular base of Taj is in itself symbolic of the different sides from which to view a beautiful woman. The main gate is like a veil to a woman's face, which should be lifted delicately on the wedding night.

There are three entrances to the Taj (East, south and west). The main entrance is on the western side. The original entrance, a massive arched gateway stands directly aligned with the Taj, but shields it from the view of those who wait outside. However, now a days you only exit through this door. The entrance is now through a small door to the right of the gate, complete with security checks.

The Taj Mahal stands at the end of beautifully laid gardens designed in the Charbagh style, so fashionable among the Mughal, Arabic and Persian architects. Dissected into four quadrants by waterways, they evoke the Islamic image of the Gardens of Paradise, where rivers flow with water, milk, wine and honey. Today only the watercourse running from north to south is full. It beautifully captures the image of the Taj in its entirety.

The Taj rises on a high red sandstone base topped by a huge white marble terrace on which rests the famous dome flanked by four tapering minarets. Twin red sandstone buildings frame it: the one on the western side is a mosque and the identical one on the eastern side had been created for symmetry. Within the central dome lies the jewel-inlaid cenotaph of the queen. As many as 43 different gems were used for the tomb. Sunrays filtering into the central chamber by finely cut marble screens result in a delightful play of light and shadow. So exquisite is the workmanship of the filigree work that covers the windows and the panels inside the Taj, that it has been rightly described as "Having been designed by giants and finished by jewellers".

When to visit?
The Taj Mahal is definitely worth more than a single visit as its character changes with the changing light of the day. The Taj is pinkish in the morning, milky white in the evening and golden when the moon shines. These changes, it is believed, depict the different moods of a woman. If you are an early riser, make sure to visit it during dawn. If you can't manage the early morning trip, then don't miss the sunset. The dying sun shrouds the magnificent monument and its surrounding with an orange and golden light and the effect cannot be captured in words. The Taj Mahal on a full moon night is equally fascinating. When the slivery light of the moon falls on the semi-precious stones inlaid into the white marble it sparkles like a jewel.

The Taj is open to the visitors from 6 am to 7 pm daily except Friday. On Fridays it is closed for the public except for those who go for afternoon prayers in the mosque next to the 17th century monument. The monument, which attracts thousands of visitors every day, previously remained closed on Mondays.

Fees
Entry costs at sunrise (Between 6 am and 8 am)
and sunset (Between 4 pm and 7 pm)
Rs 970 for Foreigners
Rs 110 for Indians
Entry costs during daytime
Rs 20/

Between 1st April and 30th September the cheaper period extends from 7.30 am to 5 pm.

Click here to view a Photo feature of the Taj Mahal

Shravanti Choudhuri